Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium associated with gastritis and ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. In a small number of cases, H. pylori infection can cause stomach cancers.Food and drink contaminated with H. pylori are the main sources of the bacteria. Sometimes, the bacterium spreads through the oral-to-oral route. The body’s response to the bacteria varies from person to person. Symptoms are absent in most people infected with H. pylori. Inflammation of the stomach lining or gastritis, a common symptom of H- pylori infection, is the response of the immunity system of the stomach to the bacteria and a toxic chemical produced by the microbes. According to recent studies, the stomach acid activates the bacteria, increasing the risk of gastritis and ulcers.
H. pylori infection is treated with antibiotics. Growing resistance to certain antibiotics has aggravated H. pylori infections in recent years. For best result, the infection is treated by combining multiple antibiotics.Antibiotics are usually given in combination with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or bismuth to enhance the effectiveness of the anti-H. pylori treatment. Recent studies suggest use of certain herbal remedies for treating H. pylori infection.
Options For Treating Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Medications
The antibiotics amoxicillin and clarithromycin are combined with a proton pump inhibitor to treat H. pylori infection. Another popular combination of medications recommended for H. pylori treatment include the antibiotics tetracycline and metronidazole combined with bismuth subsalicylate.
The third option for healing H. pylori infection includes combining the antibiotics clarithromycin and metronidazole with a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump inhibitors commonly used in combination therapies include omeprazole, lanzoprazole and pantoprazole.They support rapid recovery by inhibiting acid production in the stomach and improving the activities of the antibiotics. These drugs are taken for about 7 to 14 days to eradicate the infection.
Supplements and Herbal Medications
A number of medicinal herbs and supplements are used as natural antibiotics for treating H. pylori infection. People suffering from H. pylori infection can take cranberry juice or supplement daily. Polyphenols present in cranberry prevent the bacteria from adhering to the stomach lining.Curcumin, the main bioactive component of turmeric, along with several other constituents of the spice can inhibit growth and proliferation of the H. pylori bacteria.
Mastic gum is an effective anti-H. pylori agent. It contains compounds called triterpenic acids that prevent growth of H. pylori bacteria.Regular intake of green tea or ginger tea can provide relief from H. pylori infection. Their powerful antibacterial constituents can suppress H. pylori growth. Other medicinal plants with anti-H. pylori property include Chinese cinnamon, yarrow and Gardenia jasminoides.
Probiotics
Fermented milk products are the main sources of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria strains help to restore the normal microbial balance in the digestive tract. Long-term intake of probiotics helps to inhibit growth of H. pylori bacteria. When combined with conventional H. pylori treatment, probiotics support fast eradication of H. pylori infection.
Homeopathic Treatment
H. pylori infection can be treated with homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medications usually used for treating H. pylori infection include calendula and Nux vomica. The ethanol solutions of both these drugs are powerful inhibitors of H. pylori bacteria.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.